Kuwait

American  

[koo-weyt] / kʊˈweɪt /

noun

1. a sovereign monarchy in northeastern Arabia, on the northwest coast of the Persian Gulf: formerly a British protectorate. About 8,000 sq. mi. (20,720 sq km).

2. a seaport in and the capital of the monarchy of Kuwait.

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Kuwait British  

/ kʊˈweɪt /

noun

1. a state on the NW coast of the Persian Gulf: came under British protection in 1899 and gained independence in 1961; invaded by Iraq in 1990; liberated by US-led UN forces 1991 in the Gulf War: mainly desert. The economy is dependent on oil. Official language: Arabic. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Kuwait. Pop: 2 695 316 (2013 est). Area: 24 280 sq km (9375 sq miles)

2. the capital of Kuwait: a port on the Persian Gulf. Pop: 1 225 000 (2005 est)

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Kuwait Cultural  

1. Independent kingdom on the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, at the head of the Persian Gulf, bordered by Iraq to the north and west and Saudi Arabia to the south.

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A major petroleum producer, Kuwait possesses about one-fifth of the world's oil reserves. It is a leading member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

In 1990, Kuwait was invaded by Iraq; in 1991, Iraqi forces were expelled by a coalition of United Nations forces led by the United States. (See also Persian Gulf War.)

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• pro-Kuwait
  adjective
• anti-Kuwait
  adjective

Example Sentences

Saddam tested Washington again when he attempted to extinguish Kuwait in 1990.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Investors are closely watching developments in the Middle East after Kuwait came under a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Bahrain, which like Kuwait hosts a significant US military presence, also saw overnight drone strikes from Iran.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Central Command said the Iranian drone attacks “failed to impact intended targets,” the fact that an “additional wave” of drones have attempted to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait raises worries that talks may have stalled.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

They had just brought Kuwaiti oil to Japan, and were returning to Kuwait for more.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers